The Fat Boy Chronicles

Based on a true story but choppy in its presentation. Acting is pedestrian.

This film was a great example of what kids really go through in school. When you watch this film you will think that this must be way worse then it really is. Then remind ourself this is based on true events. Kids can be cruel. It is the only way they can vent their own pain sometimes. I hope that everyone gets a chance to see this film with their kids and be able to talk to them about what is going on in their lives. Maybe use this film as a middle ground to understand your teenagers a little better. For the budget and the heart behind this film, I recommend "The Fat Boy Chronicles" to anyone that wants a good family film. This film was written by two ex-teachers that have finally gotten a chance to speak out for the children they care so much for.

As a child, I was bullied for the same reasons as the main character. I didn't like how everything suddenly became okay in the end. Life is not like that, you can't just decide to change things and have them eventually be okay. There are always bullies, there are always people being put down for one reason or another. One movie is not going to change that. But I suppose it is a start.

One thing I really disliked about the story is the characters made changes to fit in with society. Real courage, in my opinion, occurs when someone stands their ground, plants their feet, raises their voice and shouts "I will not change to better fit your perceptions of NORMAL!" We are all human, beautiful as we are both inside and out. I don't like preachy movies that tell you to gain acceptance by losing weight if you're fat. Sometimes, problems go a lot deeper than that. It can take years of counseling to erase the psychological scars of peer torture, poor self body image, and depression. Better to love ourselves FIRST and THEN affect change (if so we choose) because that is REAL change, not transient.

There were a lot of positive messages in the movie, however, which I suppose was the point. To me, any of the good was lost in the profound naivete this movie showed about high school and real life situations in particular.

THIS MOVIE HAS CHANGED LIVES. And will continue to do so. I have been at school screenings of this movie and seen the emotional impact it has on students and adults. Schools/communities/churches who have shown the film report that kids finally understand the power of their words and how harmful their actions can be. Bullies have changed their behavior, "bystanders" speak up for those who need a voice, and bullied kids realize there is hope for tomorrow. With all the emphasis on searching for a solution to bullying, this movie and the book that it was adapted from would be a good place to start. Schools that read the book and follow with a special movie screening have seen a positive impact upon students. Many bullied kids have written the filmmakers to say that now people treat them better. "Thank you for making this movie," one overweight student told the director and writers. What this film does best is get students actively, and emotionally, involved in creating a better future for their generation.

The Fat Boy Chronicles is a 2010 drama that centers around an overweight high school freshman who is tired of being the butt of the joke, befriending a girl with her own set of issues.

Directed by Jason Winn and starring Christopher Rivera, The Fat Boy Chronicles is an ok film that tells the story of one young man's desire to not be overweight anymore. And although it has a very after school special quality to it, Rivera delivers a good performance and does a good job making you feel for his character.

It's not the kind of movie that you'll be dying to see over and over again, but it's short, sweet, and to the point. If you haven't seen this movie before, it's worth at least one watch.